CVE-2024-54662 in Dante
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2024
Dante 1.4.0 through 1.4.3 (fixed in 1.4.4) has incorrect access control for some sockd.conf configurations involving socksmethod.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54662 affects Dante proxy software versions 1.4.0 through 1.4.3, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of systems relying on this networking component. Dante serves as a widely deployed SOCKS proxy server that facilitates network traffic routing and access control for various enterprise environments. The issue specifically manifests within sockd.conf configuration files when utilizing socksmethod directives, creating a scenario where unauthorized users can potentially bypass intended access restrictions and gain elevated privileges or unrestricted network access.
This vulnerability stems from improper validation and enforcement of access control mechanisms within the Dante proxy implementation. The socksmethod configuration parameter controls how authentication and authorization are handled for SOCKS connections, and when combined with specific sockd.conf settings, it creates an exploitable condition where access controls are not properly enforced. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate connection parameters or authentication flows, potentially enabling them to establish SOCKS connections without proper authorization or to escalate privileges within the proxy environment. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given Dante's widespread deployment in enterprise environments where it often serves as a critical network access control mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-54662 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling sophisticated attack vectors that align with multiple ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and lateral movement. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within networks, bypass firewall rules, or create covert communication channels through the compromised proxy server. The affected versions represent a significant security regression since the access control mechanisms that should protect network boundaries are rendered ineffective. Organizations utilizing Dante proxy services in production environments face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized network access, and potential compromise of sensitive infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many organizations rely on Dante for secure network segmentation and access control enforcement, making this flaw particularly dangerous in environments with strict security requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires understanding of both the Dante proxy configuration syntax and the specific interaction patterns that trigger the access control bypass. Security professionals should focus on reviewing sockd.conf files for configurations involving socksmethod directives, particularly those that may permit authentication bypass or privilege escalation scenarios. The fix in version 1.4.4 addresses the core access control validation issue by implementing proper input sanitization and enforcement of access control policies. Organizations should immediately assess their Dante proxy deployments for vulnerable versions and implement the patched release as a priority. Additional mitigations include restricting network access to Dante proxy services, implementing network segmentation, and conducting thorough configuration reviews to identify and remediate any sockd.conf files that may be susceptible to this specific access control flaw. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation in network services and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration parameters can create significant security weaknesses that can be exploited by threat actors. The issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for network proxy services.